A second simple check involves travelling down a straight, flat and empty piece of roadway and releasing the steering wheel. If the vehicle tries to pull to one side or the other, the alignment may be out as well.
Most mechanics agree that an alignment should start and end with a test-drive. Tires should be in good shape with even wear before an alignment is carried out. If tires are worn unevenly and used after the alignment, they’ll only make partial contact with the road-- which is a safety issue. Although the unevenly worn tire can be a telltale sign of trouble, it should be replaced before having the alignment corrected.
The detrimental effects on safety caused by improper tire contact with the road’s surface are not to be underestimated. The tire is the only part of your vehicle that touches the road- and it can dictate the effectiveness of steering and braking systems.
Remember, your vehicle’s front end is comprised of several complicated systems that work together. Steering and suspension, for instance, contain many parts that can wear out over time- potholes or not. Occasional checks of these systems by a mechanic are vital to ensuring your vehicle operates as intended.
Been ignoring that shimmy in the steering or that pull whenever you brake? If so, you’re prematurely wearing your tires, burning excessive fuel, and compromising your safety--as well as the safety of your passengers and fellow motorists. If your alignment or suspension is in need of service, you shouldn’t expect your ride to perform favorably during braking or steering manoeuvres, especially in an emergency.
Most mechanics agree that an alignment should start and end with a test-drive. Tires should be in good shape with even wear before an alignment is carried out. If tires are worn unevenly and used after the alignment, they’ll only make partial contact with the road-- which is a safety issue. Although the unevenly worn tire can be a telltale sign of trouble, it should be replaced before having the alignment corrected.
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| Photo: Jupiter Images |
The detrimental effects on safety caused by improper tire contact with the road’s surface are not to be underestimated. The tire is the only part of your vehicle that touches the road- and it can dictate the effectiveness of steering and braking systems.
Remember, your vehicle’s front end is comprised of several complicated systems that work together. Steering and suspension, for instance, contain many parts that can wear out over time- potholes or not. Occasional checks of these systems by a mechanic are vital to ensuring your vehicle operates as intended.
Been ignoring that shimmy in the steering or that pull whenever you brake? If so, you’re prematurely wearing your tires, burning excessive fuel, and compromising your safety--as well as the safety of your passengers and fellow motorists. If your alignment or suspension is in need of service, you shouldn’t expect your ride to perform favorably during braking or steering manoeuvres, especially in an emergency.